28 NOV. 2019: 30 Rabiul Awwal 1441: Vol: 12, No: 69
INDIA: BABRI MASJID CASE
Abused, intimidated, attacked with excreta: Babri Masjid advocate Rajiv Dhawan recounts horror during trial amid row over his remarks ‘Hindus disturb peace, Muslims don't'
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abused-intimidated-attacked-with-excreta-masjid-advocate-recounts-horror-during-ayodhya-trial-1623135-2019-11-27?fbclid=IwAR0qTVoulCQlyDL8pE8otJicx3efGBWi7VT8IvNFGuoDI24OWRELEJDWhug
New Delhi: Senior advocate Rajiv Dhawan, who represented the Muslim side in the Ayodhya case, spoke to India Today TV for the first time ever after Ayodhya verdict. In a no-holds-barred interview, Dhawan spoke about CJI Ranjan Gogoi, why he thinks the verdict didn't uphold justice, how excreta was thrown at him by some fringe elements during the trial, and how according to him, the SC succumbed to sentiments and pressure of the ruling Govt. Dhawan also clarified his remark which had sparked controversy yesterday. In a TV interview, Dhawan had said: "Muslims have never been responsible for disturbing the atmosphere in the country. Hindus do it." Clarifying his remarks, Dhawan has said that he was not talking about the Hindu community at large but only Sangh Pariwar."I am not talking about the Hindu community. I have faith in a large number of citizens who belong to this community, who do not agree with this kind of violence," he said. Dhawan said: "I didn't just appear for the Muslims. I appeared for a large section of Hindus who believed in liberal secularism.It was a cause lawyering case.It was not a case that can be depicted as Muslims vs Hindus. It was a case to protect the constitutional fabric of the state which was at stake." He said: "I don't know who interviewed me. And yesterday's interview was taken under false pretenses. When I said Hindus, I referred to those Hindus who are responsible for the violence related to Babri Masjid. In court, I called these violent Hindus as Hindu Taliban. I stand by that statement. Consider in the last century, how much violence was perpetrated. In 1934, Muslims tried to defend the mosque and it was broken. In 1949, it trespassed. Between 1950 and 1992, every order of the receiver was not followed by Hindus. And the biggest act of all, destruction of Babri Masjid. And I will say it again and again that all the violence at Babri Masjid was Hindu violence, perpetrated by Hindu Taliban but I limit that violence to Sangh Parivar and all those members who perpetrated this violence.""I am concerned about Sangh Parivar's violence related to Babri case and that is Hindu Taliban. In court, one of them nearly attacked me. I have received death threats, curses, around 2000 letters full of abuses. Excreta was thrown outside my residence. I call this also a kind of violence."Dhawan said: "If the defence of the criminal trial is on moral grounds that we were doing our duty to Hindu sentiment, then let's not run away from the fact that there was an act of violence which is unpardonable according to Hindu, Muslim and every other faith on this planet."He said: "When a case is going on, the Govt or any other person cannot talk about the desired outcome. When they say "Mandir Wahi Banega", it's a contempt of court." "BJP's manifesto is not a holy book. The manifesto talks about a Ram Temple as the only outcome. This should amount to contempt of court. Advani wants praise now, but someone should tell him - destruction is not the right path. His Rath Yatra was not to consolidate Hindus but to intimidate Muslims." He said: "Review is a choice of Sunni Waqf Board. I would advice a review for only one reason because there cannot be peace without justice. And Muslim parties have still not stated what they object to in this judgment. And the only way to put this on record is through a review." "Will it succeed or not, it's a different debate. But the review is a right. And it will point out what is fundamentally wrong in the judgment." Dhawan said: "Congress backing down and taking off National Herald's article which spoke of the verdict in a bad light is a grievous mistake. It is a shame that a political party browbeat their own news paper's voice." He said:"It is not the SC's job to give a judgment wholly for the sake of peace. The power of the SC exercised, in this case, was under Article 142 of the Constitution. Article 142 talks about complete justice. Therefore, responsibility of the SC was to make sure that complete justice was done, which is not what happened here.""I don't think it was necessary for CJI Gogoi to have a close-door meeting with the law enforcement agencies. This cannot be done behind the curtains of court. It was a simple question that they have to pass an order and it has to be obeyed at any cost. CJI and Justice Ashok Bhushan do not hobnob with the politicians and police, that's not their jurisdiction. This happened around the time of Ayodhya verdict. It was absolutely improper. Orders should be passed in open courts, not implemented behind closed doors."India Today
Review petition to be filed in 2-4 days; its purpose not to disrupt harmony: Jamiat chief Arshad Madani
https://aninews.in/news/national/politics/review-petition-to-be-filed-in-2-4-days-madani-on-scs-ayodhya-verdict20191128124431/
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/purpose-of-ayodhya-review-plea-not-to-disrupt-harmony-jamiat-chief-arshad-madani-6140278/
Saharanpur: Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, has said that the review petition against Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict is almost ready and the plea will be filed within 2-4 days.Madani further stated "SC's verdict is beyond the understanding of many people" and added, "the purpose of filing the review petition is not because it is a matter of respect but a religious issue.""Our lawyers on record including Rajiv Dhawan have almost drafted the petition and will be going to file it within 2-4 days. The mosque was not built on a temple. Our religion is our duty and we will make all efforts to save it," he said. “The purpose of filing the review petition by Jamiat is not to disrupt the country’s solidarity and law and order, but using the privileges provided in the law…This is because millions of our countrymen, including Hindus,Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and legal experts have found the verdict to be beyond their understanding,” Madani said.ANI / indianexpress
If Shah is right on speaking about temple, then how Owaisi was wrong on talking about mosque: Owaisi
http://www.uniindia.com/if-shah-is-right-on-speaking-about-temple-then-how-owaisi-was-wrong-on-talking-about-mosque-asaduddin-owaisi/east/news/1803519.html
Chief of AIMIM and MP Asaduddin Owaisi has said when Amit Shah was right to talk about temple construction then how could he be wrong for speaking in favour of mosque. He asked the minorities to realise their strength and teach a lesson to Congress and JMM in Jharkhand.He said that the state Govt had failed to protect the minorities in the state and pointed that the budget for the community was just Rs 102 crore in Jharkhand compared to Rs 1002 crore in Telengana.UNI
J&K & SOUTH ASIA
Sweden calls for lifting of restrictions in Kashmir, nudges India for talks with Pakistan
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sweden-calls-for-lifting-of-restrictions-in-kashmir-nudges-india-for-talks-with-pakistan/story-sPlgWbwwk2zi970AtXNiHP.html
Sweden has joined the list of European countries that have expressed concern about the security lockdown and communications blackout in Kashmir, with foreign minister Ann Linde saying India should lift the remaining restrictions in the region.Linde told Swedish Parliament on Wednesday that the country doesn’t want any escalation of the situation in Kashmir, and that any long-term political solution “must involve Kashmiri inhabitants”. Linde will be part of the delegation accompanying King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden on a state visit to India during Dec.1-6. Earlier this month, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Finland foreign minister Pekka Haavisto said during their visits to New Delhi the situation in Kashmir is “not sustainable”. They too called for lifting of restrictions imposed after Indian Govt revoked J&K’s special status. There was no response to Linde’s remarks from Indian officials.Answering a question in the Riksdag or Parliament, Linde described the situation in Kashmir as “worrying” and said Sweden and European Union (EU) support a “bilateral political solution through contacts between India and Pakistan”.She said: “We emphasise the importance of respect for human rights, that an escalation of the situation in Kashmir is avoided and that a long-term political solution to the situation must involve Kashmir’s inhabitants. Dialogue between India and Pakistan is crucial.”Sweden and EU also urge the Indian Govt to “lift the remaining restrictions” in Kashmir as it is crucial to restore “free movement and communication opportunities”, she said.Swedish ambassador Klas Molin said his country and EU have a “principled” view on Kashmir. “We know it’s long-standing, it goes back decades and I think we also have said consistently that because it is historically bilateral in nature, it can only be solved reasonably through negotiations and discussions between 2 concerned parties,India and Pakistan.” Acknowledging India’s “legitimate security concerns”, he said: “But we and the EU also recognise the importance of Kashmiris to have a say in their own future.”Molin also said diplomats should be allowed to visit Kashmir to assess the situation for themselves. HT
2 days before Royal visit, Sweden sends tough statement on Kashmir
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2-days-before-royal-visit-sweden-sends-tough-statement-on-kashmir/article30107906.ece?homepage=true
Fear of PSA keeps Valley leaders in chains: No attempt to challenge detentions in court
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/fear-of-psa-keeps-valley-leaders-in-chains/cid/1722510?ref=india_india-page
Srinagar: Nearly 4 months in jail have left around three dozen members of the once powerful political elite of Kashmir outraged and restless but the fear of being booked under the draconian Public Safety Act or sent to prisons outside the Valley is such that they appear unwilling to even challenge their detention in courts.PSA allows detention without trial for up to 2 years and hundreds of people, including ex CM Farooq Abdullah, separatists, lawyers and civil society members, have been booked under it since Aug 5. Almost none of 34 senior politicians arrested under Section 107 of CrPC ahead of the revocation of the special status, including former CMs Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, have challenged their detention in courts, the only exception being IAS topper-turned-politician Shah Faesal. Faesal, however, withdrew his petition in August allegedly over fears that he could be booked under PSA. Under Section 107, detainees are required to sign a bond pledging not to disturb peace.The politicians appeared unwilling to challenge their detention from Day 1 but more fear gripped them after veteran MP Farooq was slapped with PSA in Sept. He was booked at a time when the Supreme Court was hearing a petition challenging his “illegal detention”, filed not by him but MDMK leader and friend Vaiko.A NC leader said the example of “Doctor Sahib”, had served as a “warning” for all the other leaders. Telegraph spoke to half a dozen free leaders of different political parties and all of them said the detained leaders had preferred not to mount a legal counter as they feared they could be held under PSA and even sent to jails outside Kashmir. telegraphindia
SC refuses to entertain plea of CFI for monetary relief for J-K students
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sc-refuses-to-entertain-plea-of-cfi-for-monetary-relief-for-jk-students/1672294
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a plea filed by an NGO, Campus Front of India (CFI), seeking monetary relief for the students of J&K who have faced problems due to restrictions imposed in the erstwhile state post abrogation of Article 370. Centre opposed CFI petition saying that NGO is associated with PFI,which is an organisation having relation with banned SIMI.A bench of Justices NV Ramana, R Subhash Reddy and BR Gavai said, "Sorry, we are not inclined to entertain this petition." Senior advocate Meenakshi Arora, appearing for CFI, said that Kashmiri students were not able to pay their fees in their respective schools and colleges across the country due to curbs on banking system imposed by the Centre. "Students of J&K have suffered due to the restrictions imposed by the Centre. These students who are studying in different parts of the country needs to be provided monetary relief," she said.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, opposed the petition saying that the banking system in J&K was never shut and even on Aug.5, it was working.He said that contrary to the claims made by NGO, students whose cause is being espoused have regularly deposited and paid their fees through the banking channels."They did not face any hardship. This NGO has to explain as whose it espousing. There are material suggesting that it is associated with PFI, which has relations with banned extremist group like SIMI", he said. When Mehta tried to submit some documents to the court to buttress his claim of CFI''s association with PFI, Arora opposed and said that this practice is being frequently adopted by Centre and if the documents are being relied upon then it should be shared with them also.The bench then refused to peruse documents submitted Mehta and returned it back.Mehta said that their are enough material to suggest that this NGO CFI is being promoted and guided by PFI. PTI
POLITICS
Uddhav Thackeray sworn in as Maharashtra CM, 6 other ministers take oath
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-cm-six-other-ministers-take-oath
Shiv Sena president Uddhav B. Thackeray became the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra from the Thackeray family when he was sworn-in at a grand function held at Shivaji Park in Mumbai this evening. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath of office and secrecy to Thackeray. Following Thackeray, Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP leaders Jayant Patil and Chhagan Bhujbal and Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai from the Shiv Sena took oaths as ministers in the new Maharashtra Cabinet. The event was attended by political heavyweights like Congress’ Ahmed Patel,Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Mallikarjun Kharge, MP CM Kamal Nath, DMK’s MK Stalin and TR Baalu, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, NCP’s Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis amongst many others. Businessman Mukesh Ambani, his wife Nita Ambani were also among the attendees. Senior Congress leaders Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, however, chose to skip the event. Nationalheraldindia/ Indian express
Maharashtra: ‘Maha’ game ends as Uddhav Thackeray takes charge as CM
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-live-updates-uddhav-thackeray-swearing-in-shiv-sena-ncp-congress-bjp-6140471/?#liveblogstart
Sena-NCP-Cong front announces CMP promising farm loan waiver, 80% job quota for locals
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maha-vikas-aghadi-launches-common-minimum-program-assures-immediate-loan-waiver-for-farmers-6141311/
New Delhi :Announcing its Common Minimum Program (CMP), Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena combine, known as Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), promised immediate farm loan waiver and said the Govt would ensure 80 % quota in jobs for locals.Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde told ANI, “farmers are facing problems. This Govt will do best for farmers. This will be a strong Govt.”Crop insurance, immediate loan waiver and remunerative prices for farm produce were some of the other assurances made for farmers by the NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress combine in CMP.Besides, CMP also mentions setting up of Re 1 clinics at the taluka level across the state that will provide basic screening of people. The program also guarantees to provide health insurance cover to every citizen of the state. Sena’s ambitious promise during the election campaign of offering a full meal at Rs 10 also figures in CMP.Other issues in the CMP include unemployment, women, education, urban development, health, industry, social justice, tourism and other important provisions.Maha Vikas Agadhi’s CMP stated that a law would be enacted to ensure 80 % reservation of jobs for local youth. “There will be a compulsion and law will be enacted to ensure 80 % reservation for locals in the existing and new companies,” Shinde said.indianexpress
Our party made political blunders, thinking of taking up Sena offer: BJP’s Khadse
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ekbnath-khadse-bjp-maharashtra-fadnavis-ajit-pawar-6140257/
A day after collapse of Fadnavis Govt, Eknath Khadse, an OBC leader and a BJP stalwart in Maharashtra, said he was seriously considering quitting the party after watching the “political blunders” that had undermined the image of the party. Khadse said: “I have an offer from Sena.Even I am seriously beginning to wonder if I should accept it.After all, it makes me wonder what is the point of staying in the party which has hurt the sentiments of people by compromising on principles.”“The manner in which BJP is functioning,” he said, “has caused a lot of anguish and embarrassment.”indianexpress
Bengal Bypolls: TMC cinches unexpected win, defeats BJP, Congress in their bastions
https://thewire.in/politics/bengal-bypolls-tmc-wins-three-seats-mamata-banerjee-bjp-arrogance
TMC sprung back to life with victories in all 3 assembly constituencies that went to bypolls in West Bengal. In the results that were declared Thursday morning, TMC not only retained Karimpur seat, but wrested Kaliaganj and Kharagpur from the Congress and BJP.In a close contest, TMC candidate Tapan Deb Singha defeated BJP’s Kamal Chandra Sarkar by a margin of 2,304 votes in Kaliaganj. By-poll was necessitated by the death of Congress’s Parmathanath Roy. However, grand-old party is unlikely to derive much confidence from its performance in what is seen as its stronghold as it was pushed to the third spot.TMC’s Bimalendy Singha Roy won Karimpur seat easily by defeating BJP’s Jay Prakash Majumdar by 24,119 votes. The seat was vacated by Mahua Moitra, who became a Lok Sabha MP.Pradip Sarkar of TMC defeated BJP’s Prem Chandra Jha in Kharagpur by a hefty margin of 20,811 votes. This came as a blow for the BJP as the seat had been vacated by none other than BJP state president Dilip Ghosh, who won Lok Sabha polls.thewire
Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh bypolls: BJP wins by slender margin of 3,267 votes
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pithoragarh-bypolls-uttarakhand-bjp-wins-chandra-pant-6141115/
BJP has retained the Pithoragarh assembly seat in Uttarakhand by a slim margin of 3267 votes, with its candidate Chandra Pant defeating her main rival and Congress candidate Anju Lunthi. Chandra Pant is the wife of 3-time MLA and former minister Prakash Pant, whose death had necessitated the bye-elections.Even in 2017, Pithoragarh seat saw a photo finish, with BJP coming up triumphs by a margin of 2,684 votes. Both BJP and Congress had fielded a battery of leaders for campaigning in the constituency. indianexpress
BJP condemns Pragya Thakur's remarks on Godse, drops her from House defence panel
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/bjp-condemns-pragya-thakur-s-remarks-on-godse-drops-her-from-house-defence-panel/cid/1722665?ref=top-stories_home-template
BJP today barred MP Pragya Thakur from attending its parliamentary party meeting in ongoing Parliament session and removed her from consultative committee on defence.Thakur had referred to Godse as a "deshbhakt" (patriot) a day earlier in Lok Sabha during a debate on SPG bill.BJP working chief JP Nadda announced the disciplinary action against her and condemned the Bhopal MP's remarks in a bid to defuse the political crisis triggered by her remarks in Lok Sabha.Nadda also said that Thakur will be removed from the consultative committee on defence, to which she was recently appointed."The statement given by Thakur is condemnable. BJP never supports such statements and we do not support this ideology. We have decided that Thakur will not attend BJP parliamentary party meetings during the session," he said.Thakur made the controversial remarks during DMK member A. Raja's narration of a statement by Godse before a court on why he killed Mahatma. However, after Opposition members protested against her remarks, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said only DMK leader's speech during the discussion on Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill will go on record. Opposition parties attacked Govt, particularly PM Narendra Modi, alleging that PM's "inaction" against her proves his latent support to "Godse's sinister thought". Members of Opposition party said Thakur's remarks were a "perfect representation" of BJP's "deplorable hate politics"."We condemn her statement and we do not support this ideology," Nadda, who was accompanied by parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi,said. Telegraph
‘Terrorist Pragya calls terrorist Godse patriot, sad day for India’s Parliament’: Rahul Gandhi
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/terrorist-pragya-calls-terrorist-godse-patriot-sad-day-for-india-s-parliament-rahul-gandhi/story-RUqhisbKvI9qhHFIUN88LM.html
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has attacked BJP over its MP Pragya Thakur’s controversial comments on Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse.“Terrorist Pragya calls terrorist Godse, a patriot. A sad day, in the history of India’s Parliament,” Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.Rahul Gandhi said Thakur’s comments reflect the “heart of RSS and BJP”, ANI reported. Gandhi said and that he does not want to waste time by demanding action against her.HT
Godse wasn't a terrorist, just committed a mistake: Another BJP leader's shocker
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/godse-wasnt-a-terrorist-just-committed-a-mistake-after-pragya-thakur-another-bjp-leaders-shocker-2404225.html
Ballia: Amid BJP's attempt to distance itself from MP Pragya Thakur's comment in praise of Mahtama Gandhi's assassin, a party MLA said Nathuram Godse committed a mistake but he was not a terrorist."Godse was not a terrorist.Those who are involved in anti-national activities are terrorists,"said Ballia MLA Surendra Singh. Godse committed a mistake. He should have not killed patriot Gandhi ji," he added, using the Hindi word "bhool" for "mistake". News18
BJP cannot even entertain the thought of calling Godse a patriot: Rajnath
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-cannot-even-entertain-the-thought-of-calling-godse-a-patriot-rajnath-singh-6141165/
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today condemned the controversial statement in Lok Sabha made by BJP MP Pragya Thakur.“Let alone calling Nathuram Godse a patriot, our party condemns even having such a thought. As far as Mahatma Gandhi is concerned, he is our ideal. He has been our guide and will remain our guide in future. His ideology was not only relevant in the past, but remains so today and shall remain relevant in future. Irrespective of party, caste or religion, everyone considers Gandhi his/her ideal and a source of inspiration,” Singh said.indianexpress
Delhi Police detain Tehseen Poonawalla for protest against Pragya Thakur, take selfies at station
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tehseen-poonawalla-detained-pragya-thakur-6141127/
New Delhi: Tehseen Poonawalla obliged women police officers for selfies and group photographs when he was detained by Delhi Police for protesting against Pragya Thakur for her remark in Parliament praising Nathuram Godse. Poonawalla, who also appears on TV news panels, said he felt special when Delhi Police officers sought selfies with him. “Delhi Police has illegally detained me for protesting peacefully alone against Pragya Thakur. I never violated Section 144, I was speaking to the media yet Amit Shah Ji’s Delhi Police illegally detains me. Are we in Godse’s North Korea or Gandhi’s India,” he later said in a tweet.indianexpress
NRC - CAB
Assam: Congress MLAs Lie Down Outside Assembly to Protest CAB, NRC
https://thewire.in/politics/assam-congress-mlas-lie-down-outside-assembly-to-protest-cab-nrc
Guwahati: The winter session of the Assam Assembly began on a stormy note today with MLAs of the opposition Congress protesting the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and the state Govt’s bid to reject the final NRC, lying down outside the house after being prevented from pressing for acceptance of their adjournment motion.As soon as the house assembled for the session, opposition Congress and AIUDF sought to raise the 2 contentious issues through an adjournment motion after oaths were administered to four newly-elected MLAsWhen the speaker did not allow it and asked them to raise the issues after the Question Hour, members of the two parties went to the well of the house, shouting slogans and displaying placards.Later, they staged a walkout from the house.PTI
28 Deaths in Assam Detention Centres, But None Due to Lack of Medicines: Govt
https://thewire.in/Govt/28-deaths-in-assam-detention-centres-but-none-due-lack-of-medicines-govt
New Delhi:Govt has said there were no deaths of inmates in detention centres in Assam due to lack of medicines. Admitting that 28 people have died in the detention centres, minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai said that all deaths were caused by some diseases.He further said detention centres have proper medical facilities and the district administration provides medicines there.“There have been reports of deaths of 28 people. The detention centre has all the facilities and death is not due to fear or due to any lack of medicine,” said Rai.Asked if any compensation has been given to the families of the deceased, the minister replied there was no such provision.PTI
INDIAN ECONOMY
PSUs on sale: Modi govt is planning to sell its stake in 46 PSUs, decision on six expected soon
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/psus-on-sale-modi-govt-is-planning-to-sell-its-stake-in-46-psus-decision-on-six-expected-soon
After it sells Govt’s stake in profit-making public sector companies such as BPCL, Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) etc as already announced, the Modi regime is planning to sell its stake in another 46 public sector companies, National Herald has learnt.Out of these 46, the formal decision on selling Govt’s stake in 6 PSUs is expected soon.There are over 270 public sector undertakings in India.As per sources, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has in principle agreed with the proposal forwarded by the finance ministry to sell its stake in six PSUs in the second phase of the disinvestment bid. However, a final decision has not been taken yet. Sources privy to the development told NH that the list that has been sent to CCEA for final approval includes Project and Development India Ltd, HPL, Hospital Services Consultancy Ltd (HSCCL), National Project Construction Corporation (NPCC), Engineering Project (India) Ltd, Bridge and Roof Co. India Ltd, Pawan Hans Ltd, Hindustan Newsprint Ltd (subsidiary), Scooters India Limited, Hindustan Fluorocarbon Ltd. (HFL) (subsidiary) and Air India and its 5 subsidiaries.nationalheraldindia
Air India focused on day-to-day survival as shutdown fears bite
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-focused-on-day-to-day-survival-as-shutdown-fears-bite/story-yw0unG6GIxb4HndoW2wowJ.html
Mumbai:India’s debt-crippled national airline is focused solely on daily survival and keeping its flights in the air, a spokesman said Thursday, after the Govt warned it would have to shut down unless a buyer was found.Air India owes more than $8.6 billion and has struggled to pay salaries and buy fuel, with losses mounting following earlier privatisation attempts.The company is unable to pay its debts and its outlook is “gloomy”, spokesman Dhananjay Kumar said.“We are concentrating on day-to-day operations and not focusing on the future,” he told AFP.“Whatever resources we have, we are trying to use them in an optimum manner and trying to run our flights.” Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that airline would “have to close down if it is not privatised”, adding Govt would soon invite takeover bids.AFP
India Today report: Debt time bomb? Only 20 borrowers owed over 16% of I total loan portfolio
https://www.indiatoday.in/diu/story/debt-time-bomb-only-borrowers-owed-more-than-of-india-total-loan-portfolio-1623176-2019-11-28?fbclid=IwAR0Nmj1XGAA0RxJGEYPCmFc2LYtbx_XxaOgkqljrDQJoxBZJKpYyYDQqyeI
New Delhi:Debt service is becoming riskier with deteriorating economy, though banks are still taking the risk of debt concentration, as India's top 20 borrowers have managed to get about Rs 16 of every Rs 100 loan amount of the Indian banking system.RBI data obtained by India Today through RTI reveals that the tiny number of borrowers owed Rs 14 lakh crore exposure in the financial year 2019 - about 16 % of the total loan exposure of the Indian banking system. Loan exposure to the top 20 borrowers has spiked about 24 % from FY 2018 to FY 2019. At the same time, India's total outstanding loan portfolio has grown only 12 %.The total outstanding to all borrowers has grown from Rs 76.88 lakh crore in FY 2018 to Rs 86.33 lakh crore in FY 2019. On the other hand, these 20 borrowers' outstanding has jumped from Rs 10.94 lakh crore to Rs 13.55 lakh crore in the same period.These borrowers have shared almost half the total industry loan, including Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME). Moreover, banks have funded thrice more money to them than MSME. Experts said such a debt concentration would have substantial negative impact on the economy.The high loan concentration may lead to crisis because economic slowdown may hit net revenue and debt service may come under pressure. India Today
In 2017, DEA Secy wrote: Why were electoral bond details shared with RBI?
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-2017-dea-secy-wrote-why-were-electoral-bond-details-shared-with-rbi-6140267/
In a clear indication that Govt did not want to involve RBI in the formulation of the draft notification for issuance of electoral bonds,then Secretary (Economic Affairs) Subhash Garg wrote in his own hand in the file concerned on Sept.1, 2017, “I had specifically directed on file not to issue this until asked. Why has it been done?”Documents obtained under RTI by transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj and shared with Indian Express reveal that Prashant Goyal, then Joint Secretary in Budget Division under Department of Economic Affairs, had written a confidential letter to RBI Deputy Governor BP Kanungo and shared the operational details of the electoral bonds. In his Aug.30, 2017 letter, Goyal asked RBI to send a draft notification “incorporating the detailed operational modalities” of the proposed bonds within two weeks. Garg sought an explanation the day-after on Sept.1, 2017. Indianexpress
EC had flagged concerns over electoral bonds to Modi govt after Lok Sabha elections too
https://theprint.in/politics/ec-had-flagged-concerns-over-electoral-bonds-to-modi-govt-after-lok-sabha-elections-too/327238/?fbclid=IwAR13KvFqe46ztYQopKRTAGSJkk7X2pyYL4omNC6DTFN2TdKMtxwI2wbNGDY
New Delhi: Amid fresh revelations over the electoral bonds scheme, ThePrint has learnt that the Election Commission had once again flagged its concerns to the Narendra Modi Govt in July, just over a month after the Lok Sabha elections.In a letter written by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora to Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on 27 July 2019, EC reiterated its apprehensions about the scheme. Arora had written to Prasad regarding a range of electoral reforms recommended by the EC. Along with the letter, CEC had attached a detailed annexure of reforms still pending with the Govt.theprint
Bad loans under Mudra Kishore jump 107% in 6 months
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bad-loans-under-mudra-kishore-jump-107-in-six-months-6140262/
New Delhi:The number and value of bad loan accounts in the Kishore category of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) for a dozen public sector banks including State Bank of India, Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda, have jumped 107 % and 71 %, respectively, as on Sept.30,2019 compared with March 31, 2019.Kishore loans have a ticket size of Rs 50,000-plus to Rs 5 lakh. Under PMMY, the other two categories are: Shishu, which has the smallest ticket size of up to Rs 50,000, and Tarun, which extends loans from Rs 5-lakh plus up to Rs 10 lakh. Kishore category made up just over 30 % of the total number of loan accounts for 12 banks as on September 30, according to disaggregated data obtained individually from these banks under RTI Act. But in terms of value, category accounted for a much larger chunk of 43 % of the total loans sanctioned in Sept. The cumulative data for all 12 banks also reveals that in the topmost Tarun loan category, NPAs by value has risen sharply 45 % to Rs 3,425 crore in Sept.from Rs 2,353 crore in March. The number of bad loan accounts has, however, shown a modest 13 % increase during the six-month period.indianexpress
Unemployment rate almost doubled in rural areas between FY'14 and FY'18, admits Centre
https://thewire.in/Govt/unemployment-rate-rural-areas-urban-areas-centre-parliament
Centre has admitted in parliament that the unemployment rate in rural areas nearly doubled from 2.9% in 2013-14 to 5.3% in 2017-18. In the same period, there was over 50% increase in unemployment in urban areas. The most striking trend has been the rise in unemployment among urban males from 3% to 6.9% during 2 year period from 2015-16 to 2017-18.Replying to a question by Congress MP Kumar Ketkar in the Rajya Sabha on whether the unemployment rate has been rising every quarter, the minister of state for labour and employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar said that in urban areas, the unemployment rate increased from 4.9 to 7.7% during the period. Explaining the methodology of collection of data, the minister said it was based on the results of the annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by NSO under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation during 2017-18 and the annual employment-unemployment survey conducted by Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment. According to these surveys, he said, estimated unemployment rate in rural and urban areas for those 15 years or older was determined.thewire
7000 Engineers, graduates apply for sanitary worker posts
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/7000-engineers-graduates-apply-for-549-sanitary-worker-posts-in-coimbatore?fbclid=IwAR1cEjM55FLRn8tNJlHm1lFmixbxdzwJfWLFA6i6RSuwN5g0Cp9elCkWzPQ
A total of 7,000 engineers, graduates and diploma-holders has applied for 549 posts of sanitary workers in city Corporation in Coimbatore.Corporation had called for applications for the posts of 549 grade-1 sanitary posts and 7,000 applicants appeared for 3-day interview and verification of certificates which began on Wednesday, official sources said. On verification, it was found that nearly 70% of the candidates have completed SSLC, the minimum qualification, and most of them were engineers, PGS, graduates and diploma-holders, they said.In some cases, it was found the applicants were already employed in private firms, but Govt job attracted them as the starting salary is ₹15,700.Those already working as the contract sanitary workers for the last 10 years have also applied for these permanent jobs.Many graduate applicants had not got the jobs according to the qualification and had to work to support the family with just ₹6,000-₹7,000 as salary in private firms and toiled for 12 hours with no job security, they said.PTI
OTHERS
Google says nearly 500 users in India warned of govt-backed phishing attacks in 3 months
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/google-nearly-500-users-in-india-warned-of-govt-backed-phishing-attacks-in-3-months-6140270/
New Delhi :Google sent out over 12,000 warnings to users globally, including nearly 500 in India, between July and September this year to sound them out against being targeted by “Govt-backed attackers”.The report does not specify whether attacks are by Govts on their own citizens, or on other countries’ citizens.The vast majority of the warnings involved “credential phishing emails” that attempt to access a user’s credentials such as passwords. An example is an email masquerading as a mail from Google that asks the user to enter her/his password. Some concerted campaigns in this regard have been discovered in Russia and South Korea, Google stated.Development comes days after WhatsApp,stated that an Israeli spyware called Pegasus had been used to spy on journalists and human rights activists worldwide, including 121 people in India. NSO Group, which owns Pegasus, maintains that it sells to Govts.Google’s Shane Huntley stated that company’s Threat Analytics Group (TAG) tracks “over 270 targeted or Govt-backed groups from over 50 countries”. These groups have many goals, “including intelligence collection, stealing intellectual property, targeting dissidents and activists, destructive cyber attacks, or spreading coordinated disinformation”,said it.I.Express
JNUSU to protest outside HRD ministry on Friday
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/jnusu-to-protest-outside-hrd-ministry-on-friday/articleshow/72276958.cms
New Delhi: A delegation of traders involved in the construction and allied sectors on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar explaining the problems faced by them due to the ban on all building activities.“Under aegis of Nirmaan Udyog Bachao Morcha Delhi,we are demanding lifting of the ban. Thousands of industries have closed down and millions of labourers have become unemployed due to the restrictions. The small and medium-scale traders are unable to pay salaries to the employees, while those working on rented property are unable to pay the rents,” said Anil Kumar Yadav, a building contractor and convener of the morcha.The delegation has asked the minister to “intervene and instruct EPCA or CPCB or departments concerned to lift the ban”. At a meeting on Wednesday at Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, the traders decided to urge the Govt to consider their “frightening situation” and lift the ban. “If our problem is not resolved, we are ready to protest,” Yadav said.PTI/TOI
Delhi HC seeks copies of 100 FIRs to check use of Urdu, Persian words
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-hc-seeks-copies-of-100-firs-to-check-use-of-urdu-persian-words-6138404/?fbclid=IwAR0uWiyiQDQ_veQWBx0XK07_6qi0ULZ5yDpFC02vL3ciS6ETOzYFrVnL54Q
New Delhi : Raazinama, tehreer’ adam taameel, Mujrim, guftagoo, sangeen apraadh and zer-e-tafteesh — these are 7 of the 383 Urdu and Persian words that the Delhi High Court doesn’t want to read in FIR copies being filed in the capital in a bid to simplify FIR for the common man.On Monday, the court asked Delhi Police to submit 100 FIR copies to ascertain if the words are being used, after a circular was issued by police to all stations to use simpler language.The court directed police to submit “at least 10 FIR copies registered with 10 different police stations so that we can verify whether the circular issued by DCP is being followed by subordinate police officers/officials in letter and spirit. Thus, minimum 100 copies of FIRs should be presented before the court on the next date of hearing (Dec.11)…”In August, a bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar observed that “too much flowery language is not needed…FIR is for the public at large. It should not be something for which one has to do a doctorate in Sanskrit, Urdu or Persian.” This came after a PIL was filed by advocate Vishalakshi Goel.On Nov.20, DCP (Legal Cell) Rajesh Deo sent a memo to all DCPs about “instructions regarding use of simple words while recording FIRs.” It said, “HQ has compiled a list of Urdu, Persian words which are presently being used in day-to-day functioning of Delhi Police along with their English/Hindi words. IOs/duty officers working under your control be suitably sensitised to evade using archaic Urdu, Persian words. As far as possible, simple words which are easily understood by the common public at large should be used….”Words such as bayaan tehreeri which means “written settlement,”; rubaru which means “in the presence of,”; ishtahaar as in “poster”; and zaahir as in “express” have been added to the list. During the hearing, Police submitted the list of 383 Urdu/ Persian words which are not to be used any longer.indianexpress
After Sanskrit controversy, BHU's Muslim professor prepares to teach Ayurveda
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sanskrit-controversy-firoze-khan-bhu-1623089-2019-11-27
Lucknow:After a controvery erupted on his appointment as an Assistant Professor in Benaras Hindu University, Firoze Khan will now appear for an interview to teach Ayurveda at the varsity.This comes after students held protests spanning over a 2 weeks opposing his appointment as an Assistant Professor to teach Sansnkrit in SVDV. Students argue that a professor, who is not Hindu by faith cannot teach them Sanskrit.The protesting students say they are against a Muslim professor imparting education on "Hindu rituals as part of the course" -- which they claim can only be taught by a practising Hindu.Meanwhile, BHU administration had issued a statement backing his appointment. The statement also said that Khan's appointment was a unanimous decision made by a selection committee under a transparent process.india today
30 Muslim professors teach Sanskrit in Bengal
https://www.newsclick.in/Sanskrit-Muslim-Teachers-West-Bengal-BHU
Kolkata: At a time when faculty members—both present and past—have written to President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, requesting him to intervene and stall the appointment of Dr Feroze Khan in BHU in Sanskrit Dept, West Bengal seems to be embracing its Sanskrit professors hailing from ‘other’ community, comfortably. Going by a loose headcount, there are at least 30 Muslim professors in West Bengal, teaching Sanskrit. Around 14 were recruited last year through College Service Commission and 12 this year. The most recent recruitment being of Ramzal Ali at Sanskrit department of Ramkrishna Mission Vidyamandir, Belur. Speaking to eNewsroom regarding his recruitment, he said, “I am in a state of shock with so many calls being made to me, seeking my comment. A Muslim learning Sanskrit is nothing new. There is a history to it. In every Sanskrit department across the state, you will find at least one Muslim student. Muslim Sanskrit teachers in Bengal, is also not rare.” Perhaps Ali has a point. For, Dr Shaikh Sabir Ali, a gold medalist in Sanskrit from University of Calcutta has been teaching the language for almost a decade now. Dr Ali, at present, teaches Sanskrit at the West Bengal State University, Barasat.newsclick.in
Of 760 Sanskrit lecturers' posts lying vacant, 468 in UP: Centre
https://thewire.in/education/of-760-sanskrit-lecturers-posts-lying-vacant-468-in-uttar-pradesh-says-centre
New Delhi: Close on the heels of protests against a Muslim lecturer teaching Sanskrit at BHU comes the Centre’s data on the lack of Sanskrit teachers in various institutions of UP. Union minister of HRD Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that there are 468 posts of Sanskrit lecturers sanctioned by UGC which have been lying vacant in UP. The figure of vacancies is the highest in the country. In total, 760 posts of Sanskrit lecturers in colleges affiliated to UGC are vacant. Aside from UP, the minister, in reply to the question by MPs Kanakmal Katara and Ramcharan Bohra, said 59 posts and 57 posts have been lying vacant in Odisha and Rajasthan respectively. thewire
UP CM to set up university named after Jat king in Aligarh
https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/up-cm-yogi-adityanath-to-set-up-university-named-after-jat-king-in-aligarh/story-ea4FMMg0HNecbDI7gcqNEP.html
Lucknow: Yogi Adityanath Govt in UP will set up a state university named after Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh in Aligarh. Singh had donated land for the construction of AMU and BJP leaders had earlier raised a demand that AMU be renamed after Jat king.However, to avoid any political controversy on the issue, Yogi Govt has decided to build a new university in his name. Govt had passed a resolution to this effect in a Cabinet meeting and an ordinance was subsequently issued on Tuesday.IANS
HRD Ministry denies CBI permission to prosecute AMU ex-V-C
https://indianexpress.com/article/education/hrd-ministry-denies-cbi-permission-to-prosecute-amu-ex-vice-chancellor-6140237/
New Delhi: Govt has denied permission to CBI to prosecute ex V-C of AMU, Naseem Ahmad. Ahmad, a retired 1972-batch IAS officer, is accused of cheating in the appointment of an officer in the university in 2005. He served as AMU V-C from 2002 till his resignation in 2007. Ahmad was also chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities from 2014 to 2017. CBI had written to President this year seeking permission to prosecute Ahmad in the matter of appointment of Shakaib Arsalan as Assistant Finance Officer (AFO). It is alleged that Arsalan was not among 9candidates found eligible, out of 22 applicants. HRD Ministry, on President’s behalf, sought advice of Criminal Procedure Code in Aug. CVC is learned to have said that there is no evidence of quid pro quo in the case against Ahmad and hence, prosecution would not be justified.indianexpress
INX case: If bail denied over ‘gravity’ of allegations, all undertrials would be in jail, says Chidambaram
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/inx-media-case-if-bail-denied-over-gravity-of-allegations-all-undertrials-would-be-in-jail-says-chidambaram-6140266/
New Delhi :Ex-Union minister P Chidambaram today told the Supreme Court that the High Court had denied him bail in INX Media money-laundering case registered by the ED on the ground of “gravity” of the allegations and that going by this argument, no undertrial would ever get bail.Appearing for Chidambaram, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi told a bench of Justices R Banumathi, A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy that after “satisfying” that he was not a flight risk or likely to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses, “the word gravity is used to negative all this”. “If this is accepted, all undertrials will be incarcerated till trial ends in almost every case,” he said.indianexpress
Telangana: Wakf takes up Muslims boycott issue in Nizamabad over graveyard land
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/281119/wakf-takes-up-muslim-boycott-issue-in-nizamabad.html
Hyderabad: Wakf Board has taken a serious note of social boycott of Muslims in Velpur mandal of Nizamabad district for refusing to handover graveyard land to Village Development Committee (VDC) for the pavement of a Mandir situated on the backside of Idgah.Wakf Board chairman Mohammed Saleem instructed CEO, Abdul Hameed to send a team of Board officials and resolve the issue with the help of the district collector.He said the stand taken by VDC is illegal and it is not appropriate to take the Wakf land forcefully.An Idgah, graveyard, Ashoorkhana and a mosque are situated adjacent to each other in Velpur mandal HQRS and a land measuring 4 acres and 12 guntas is notified for Wakf and there was a Hindu temple behind Wakf land. VDC wanted to develop a pathway across the graveyard land to reach the temple and local Muslims were being forced not to oppose it.Local Muslims alleged that VDC had demolished the graves to create a trail and when they resist, VDC decided to boycott Muslims and asked the locals not to purchase goods from the Muslim traders.This has continued since Monday.deccanchronicle
Controversial New Gujarat anti-terror law to come into force from Dec 1 after Prez nod
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/new-guj-anti-terror-law-to-come-into-force-from-dec-1-119112701253_1.html
Gandhinagar : A controversial Gujarat anti-terror law, which recognises intercepted telephonic conversations as a legitimate evidence among other provisions, will come into force from Dec.1, a state minister said. Earlier this month, President Ram Nath Kovind had given his assent to Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime (GCTOC) Act, which had thrice failed to get the nod of his predecessors since 2004.The controversial legislation, passed by BJP-ruled state in March 2015, was formulated to deal with terrorism and organised crime such as contract killing, ponzi schemes, narcotics trade, extortion rackets, cyber crime, land-grabbing and human trafficking.The Act allows to consider intercepted telephonic conversations as a legitimate evidence. Other key provision is admissibility of confession made before a police officer as evidence.PTI
NDTV wins International Press Institute award for Kathua coverage
https://www.newslaundry.com/shorts/ndtv-wins-international-press-institute-award-for-kathua-coverage?fbclid=IwAR2dF0IrnPwRu-bN3Y9NEru3XfgZHMXnIdM3t4vdbL0Ji86nTYP8onRmx94
News channel NDTV is the recipient of the International Press Institute’s Excellence in Journalism Award for the year 2019. The award is presented every year by the Indian chapter of International Press Institute (IPI), a global association of media professionals from digital, print and broadcast news outlets across nearly 100 countries. It was established in 2003 to commend exceptional work done by Indian media organizations or journalists. The national committee of IPI India is headed by N. Ravi, former editor-in-chief of The Hindu, and the selection this year was made by a jury of editors headed by Soli Sorabjee, former Attorney-General of India. NDTV was the jury’s unanimous choice.“The Award is for the expose of the conspiracy to scuttle probe into the heinous Kathua rape and murder: and a strong expose of the political hypocrisy across the political spectrum represented Excellence in Journalism, anchored by Nidhi Razdan,” IPI-India said.newslaundry
1 in 2 Indians paid a bribe at least once in the past year, survey finds
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/27/asia/india-corruption-bribe-intl-hnk-scli/index.html
At least one in every two people in India have paid a bribe in the past year, according to a new national corruption report, which branded the practice "part and parcel of daily life." Survey, conducted by independent anti-corruption advocates Transparency International India (TII) and social media platform LocalCircles, found that bribery had actually reduced by 10% over the past year. But it remains rampant, with 51% of respondents admitting they had paid bribes.Corruption remains "part and parcel of daily life in India," said a press release from TII. It's particularly widespread in local-level citizen services, which are "ridden with bribery and kickbacks." States that recorded the highest instances of corruption were Rajasthan, Bihar, UP, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Punjab. On the other hand, states recording the lowest instances of corruption were Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, West Bengal, Kerala, Goa and Odisha.CNN/ deccanherald
Antibiotic misuse rampant in India, 0-4 yrs age group worst hit: Study
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/antibiotic-misuse-rampant-in-india-0-4-years-age-group-worst-hit-study/story-cRmGGhgXH81c3bpwRyKhMK.html
New Delhi:Antibiotic misuse is rampant in the private sector in India, largely between the age group of 0-4 years, a new study has found.Inappropriate prescription and use of antibiotics is often the major source of antimicrobial resistance that is a growing concern not just in India but also globally.Nearly 519 million antibiotic prescriptions were dispensed in 2014, translating to 412 prescriptions per 1,000 population annually, shows the first ever country level estimates of antibiotic prescription by antibiotic classes, age groups, and disease conditions that was published on Wednesday in medical journal PLOS One.The key objective of this research was to generate new evidence on outpatient antibiotic prescription rate and patterns in private sector in India, as the country is among highest antibiotic users.HT
WORLD
Iraq security forces kill protesters in Nasiriya after torching Iranian Consulate in Najaf
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/iraq-security-forces-kill-protesters-nasiriyah-army-deploys-191128084334582.html
Baghdad:At least 14 people have been killed after security forces used live ammunition and tear gas canisters to disperse anti-Govt protesters in the southern city of Nasiriya, medical sources and witnesses told Al Jazeera.Authorities in the capital Baghdad dispatched troops to southern Iraq, which has seen massive protests for weeks, to "restore order" there, military said today. Security sources said that at least 120 others were wounded in the crackdown on protests in Nasiriya today, a day after the Iranian consulate was set on fire in Shia holy city of Najaf.Several of wounded are believed to be in critical condition. Medical sources, however, have told Al Jazeera that the death toll has gone up to 18 but it has yet to be confirmed by officials.Hussein, a 32-year-old lawyer from Nasiriya who was at the protest site, blamed the security forces for what he called a "bloodbath".The events in Nasiriya come a day after anti-Govt protesters stormed and set fire to the Iranian consulate in the southern holy city of Najaf, in the strongest expression of anti-Iranian sentiment by Iraqi protesters, who have taken to the streets in Baghdad and Iraq's mainly Shia south since early Oct.More than 360 people have been killed and more than 15,000 wounded so far, according to AFP.aljazeera
Israel begins work on largest settlement in Palestinian neighbourhood of Jerusalem
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191128-israel-begins-work-on-largest-settlement-in-palestinian-neighbourhood-of-jerusalem/
Work has begun on the expansion of Nof Tzion colony in Jabal Mukkaber, occupied East Jerusalem, which when completed will become “the largest Jewish settlement within a Palestinian neighbourhood in the city”, reported Haaretz.Nof Tzion was first established in the early 2000s, with settlers moving in eight years ago. The settlement currently houses 96 families living in two compounds.The land to be used for the settlement’s expansion was bought by Israeli supermarket mogul Rami Levy, in partnership with Australian businessman, Kevin Bermeister, one of the founders of Skype.Two years ago, Israeli occupation authorities issued permits for the construction of 176 flats. However, according to Jerusalem councillor and settler activist Arieh King, “the current expansion is only the first phase, with another 300 housing units expected to be approved”.MEMO
Israel destroys 4 homes in Hebron-area village in punitive demolitions
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191128-israel-destroys-4-homes-in-hebron-area-village-in-punitive-demolitions/
Israeli forces destroyed four family homes in Beit Kahil this morning, a Palestinian village in the southern West Bank, reported Wafa. Homes were targeted for punitive demolition, practice illegal under international law.MEMO
Pompeo: US shift on Israel settlements ‘creates space for political resolution’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191128-pompeo-our-shift-on-israel-settlements-creates-space-for-political-resolution/
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has defended the Trump administration’s policy shift on Israeli settlements in an interview with Israel Hayom.In the remarks, which will be published in full tomorrow, Pompeo described the move as “both the correct one and the one that is in the best interest of the security situation in Israel as well as the situation between Israel and Palestinian people”. In the policy announcement, Pompeo declared that US no longer viewed Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory as “illegal per se”, as he put it to Israel Hayom.MEMO
Jordan prince meets Israel president in UK
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191128-jordan-prince-meets-israel-president-in-uk/
Jordanian Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammad, adviser to King Abdullah II, met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at Jordanian Ambassador in London, it was announced today. The prince, who holds the position of chief adviser for Religious and Cultural Affairs in kingdom, discussed the development of Christian holy sites along the Jordan River with Israeli official.“A number of issues were discussed, at the top being the development of the Baptismal site and the progress of the Land of the Monasteries initiative,” the statement on behalf of Rivlin said. middleeastmonitor
Pakistan Supreme Court Grants 6 Months Conditional Extension to Army Chief General Bajwa
https://www.news18.com/news/world/pakistan-supreme-court-grants-6-months-conditional-extension-to-army-chief-general-javed-bajwa-2404369.html
Pakistan's Supreme Court today granted 6-month conditional extension to Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, in a relief to PM Imran Khan's Govt. A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa and comprising Justices Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and Mansoor Ali Shah, in its short order directed the Govt to bring necessary legislation within six months' time, Geo TV reported. Bajwa's original three-year tenure is set to expire on Thursday at midnight and he can now continue as the Army chief for another six months. PM Khan through an official notification of Aug.19 granted a 3-year extension to General Bajwa, citing "regional security environment". Govt withdrew Aug.19 orders after the top court's observations in the case and issued a fresh notification which was also rejected by the court yesterday. PTI
UK polls: Labour Party, Corbyn accused of being ‘anti-Hindu’ as Hindu Council joins Chief Rabbi in attacking him
https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/corbyn-accused-of-being-anti-hindu/cid/1722503
London: Aday after Britain’s chief rabbi Ephraim Mirvis questioned Jeremy Corbyn’s fitness to be PM because of alleged anti-Semitism in his ranks, Labour leader has now been accused of also being anti-Hindu. Corbyn has repeatedly stressed that there is no place for either racism or religious bigotry in the Labour party but the chief rabbi has received a strong letter of support from Anil Bhanot, a founder member of the Hindu Council UK and now its director of inter-faith relations.“We at Hindu Council UK concur that Labour has increasing become anti-Semitic and anti-Hindu,” Bhanot said in his letter, which has been picked up the British media.There are some other Hindu organisations in UK but Buckingham Palace and the Govt tend to treat Hindu Council as a body representing British Hindu sentiment.The letter added: “Jeremy Corbyn has remained silent when there has been a strident anti-India protest which culminated in anti-Hindu sentiments. Our holiest day, Diwali, was recently targeted by demonstrators prompted by several Labour Party members and MPs’ support, not least with their openly condemning Hindus in their letters to PM, foreign office and UN.“Corbyn always speaks against Islamophobia, whereas any anti-Semitic and anti-Hindu positions remain unchallenged."Never before has there been such a letter from a major Hindu body, and especially aimed at the Labour party, which once attracted unquestioning loyalty from Indians. It was Clement Attlee’s Govt which decided to grant independence to India despite strong resistance from Tory, Winston Churchill. Now, ironically, Indians are being urged to return Boris Johnson’s Conservative Govt on Dec.12.The Telegraph
UK: Muslims angry about 'rampant Islamophobia' in Tory party as Johnson issues 'apology'
https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/11/27/britains-muslims-angry-about-islamophobia-in-tory-party?fbclid=IwAR1J7_brKOfXjaYG7qs7J6En47fuUZoTus0HzrMeiZuYZhykfQAedX0PwqI
Muslim Council of Britain published an election policy manifesto highlighting Islamophobia on Wednesday, a day after it called out PM Boris Johnson's governing Conservatives for failing to deal with allegations of Islamophobia in their ranks.Later in the day on Wednesday, PM Johnson apologise "for all the hurt and offence that has been caused" and promised an independent inquiry into Islamophobia in the party despite claims by some inquiry has been watered down. MCB's manifesto, published two weeks ahead of next month's general election, detailed how parties' policies affect Muslims across the UK. The report said British Muslims care about issues that are "no different to those facing fellow Britons", such as Brexit, the National Health Service and the state of the economy.But "there are serious concerns of the resurgence of the far right, together with growing Islamophobia from the governing party to sections of the media, which have shaped social attitudes about Muslims". Alaraby
Erdoğan calls UN, global bodies to designate solidarity day against Islamophobia
https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/president-erdogan-calls-for-solidarity-day-against-islamophobia-3506041
Turkish president on Wednesday called on the UN, international and regional organizations to designate March 15 as International Solidarity Day Against Islamophobia. Tayyip Erdoğan’s remarks came at the opening ceremony of 35th Ministerial Meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC)."Those who claim defending democracy and human rights play ostrich when it comes to Muslims, and migrants are abused in their own lands,” Erdogan said. On March 15, at least 50 Muslims were killed and as many injured when a terrorist shot worshippers in cold blood at two mosques in New Zealand .yenisafak.com
All President's 'men': No women, Muslims or Tamils in Gotabaya's Cabinet expansion
https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2019/nov/27/all-the-presidents-men-no-women-muslims-or-tamils-in-gotabayas-cabinet-expansion-2067955.html
Colombo: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has expanded his Cabinet by appointing 35 ministers of state and 3 deputy ministers, all men and none from Tamil and Muslim minorities, to run his newly-elected Govt until the parliamentary polls next year. President named his eldest brother Chamal Rajapaksa, who was already part of his limited 16-member Cabinet, as new minister of state for defense. There are no women and no members from Tamil and Muslim minorities among 38 new ministers. However, 16-member interim Cabinet included 2 Tamils and a woman." President will embark on his first official visit to India on Friday at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. newindianexpress
China running hundreds more camps: Uighur activists
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/uighur-activists-china-running-hundreds-camps-191112204426528.html
Uighur activists said they have documented nearly 500 camps and prisons run by China to detain the ethnic group, alleging China could be holding far more than the commonly cited figure of one million people.The East Turkistan National Awakening Movement, a Washington-based group that seeks independence for the mostly Muslim region known to China as Xinjiang, said on Tuesday it assessed images from Google Earth and found 182 suspected "concentration camps" that it listed by coordinates.The group, which said it matched its findings with on-the-ground information, said it also spotted 209 suspected prisons and 74 suspected labour camps, which it would share later."In large part, these have not been previously identified, so we could be talking about far greater numbers" of people detained, said Kyle Olbert, director of operations for the movement. AFP
Myanmar sets up special legal unit as Rohingya cases loom
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/myanmar-sets-special-legal-unit-rohingya-cases-loom-191128033109175.html
Myanmar's Govt has set up a special unit on "international criminal justice" as it faces a series of lawsuits over its brutal crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in 2017. The unit is designed to strengthen legal expertise and provide an opinion to Govt ministries in relation to international criminal law, according to a statement from Office of State Counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi. The country's de facto leader and Nobel Peace prize winner is heading the country's delegation to the United Nations' top court where it faces accusations of genocide against the Rohingya. The hearings are due to start on Dec. 10.aljazeera
At 17.5 million, Indian diaspora largest in the world : UN report
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/at-17-5-million-indian-diaspora-largest-in-the-world-un-report/articleshow/72275644.cms
India continues to be the largest country of origin of international migrants with a 17.5 million-strong diaspora across the world, and it received the highest remittance of USD 78.6 billion from Indians living abroad, the UN migration agency said.The International Organisation for Migration said in its 'Global Migration Report 2020' that the number of international migrants in 2019 is now estimated at 270 million and the top destination remains the US, at nearly 51 million.In its latest global report, the IOM noted that the overall figure represents just a tiny fraction of the world's population, although it is a 0.1 % increase on the level indicated in its last report, published two years ago.AP
Over 227 thousands Indians waiting for family-sponsored Green Card
https://thewire.in/world/more-than-227k-indians-waiting-for-family-sponsored-green-card
Washington: Over 2,27,000 Indians are waiting in line for family-sponsored Green Card or legal permanent residency, according to the latest official data.Currently, there are about four million people waiting in line for family-sponsored Green Cards against a Congressional cap of 2,26,000 per annum.The largest number of 1.5 million waitlist is from America’s southern neighbour Mexico, followed by a distant India with 2,27,000 and China with nearly 1,80,000. PTI
Cairo court renews detention of prominent opposition figure, others over anti-Govt plot
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/1/356762/Egypt/Cairo-court-renews-detention-of-prominent-oppositi.aspx
A cairo criminal court has renewed the detention of prominent opposition figure Ziad Eleleimy and 3 others over charges of plotting chaos in the country, a judicial source said.Eleleimy, a leading member of Social Democratic Party and a former lawmaker, was arrested in June along with seven others over accusations of collaborating with figures of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group abroad to spark violence and riots in the country. Those arrested at the time included economist Omar El-Shenety and journalists Hossam Moenis and Hisham Fouad. ahram
Maldives Ex-President Yameen Sentenced to 5 Years for Money Laundering
https://thewire.in/external-affairs/maldives-ex-president-sentenced-to-five-years-for-money-laundering
Ex Maldives president Abdulla Yameen was convicted and sentenced to 5 years in prison for money laundering today – as dozens of his supporters gathered outside the courtroom saying his was innocent. Yameen, who ran Maldives with an iron hand for 5 years, unexpectedly lost an election last year and has since faced investigations over a number of deals sealed during his tenure.He was accused of receiving $1 million of Govt money through a private company as part of a deal to lease a number of tropical islands for hotel development– charges he has repeatedly dismissed.Reuters
Scientists Just Spotted an 'Impossible' Black Hole 70 Times the Size of Our Sun
https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/scientists-just-spotted-an-impossible-black-hole-70-times-the-size-of-our-sun-2403461.html
Astronomers have discovered a black hole in the Milky Way so huge that it challenges existing models of how stars evolve, researchers said today. LB-1 is 15,000 light years from Earth and has a mass 70 times greater than the Sun, according to the journal Nature. AFP
views, Articles, FEATURES
Maharashtra shows BJP is becoming that which it claimed to stand in opposition to
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/maharashtra-Govt-bjp-congress-ncp-shiv-sena-6140117/
Indian govt and media's harsh reaction to Turkey's comments on Kashmir an unwarranted misreading of situation: Duygu Çağla Bayram
https://www.firstpost.com/india/indian-govt-and-medias-harsh-reaction-to-turkeys-comments-on-kashmir-an-unwarranted-misreading-of-situation-7710741.html
Citizenship Bill will create more problems than it might solve: M Mohibul Haque
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/opinion/op-ed/281119/citizenship-bill-will-create-more-problems-than-it-might-solve.html
Ayodhya to Sabarimala:Prafull Goradia, Ex MP
https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/ayodhya-to-sabarimala-1502826954.html
Many fear the rise of majoritarian sentiment in Sri Lanka:Ahilan Kadirgamar
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/sri-lanka-gotabaya-rajapaksa-president-majoritarianism-6140121/
How the Maharashtra Govt formation drama played out behind-the-scenes
https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/how-the-maharashtra-Govt-formation-drama-played-out-behind-the-scenes/6140460/
Over 3.5 Crore Cases Pending Across Courts in India, Little Change in Numbers Since 2014:thewire
https://thewire.in/law/pending-court-cases
Diminishing Returns of Modi-Shah’s Masterstrokes: Sidharth Bhatia
https://thewire.in/politics/narendra-modi-amit-shah-masterstroke-maharashtra
Why is Shia Board chief trying to please BJP?By Amita Verma, IANS
https://www.thequint.com/news/hot-news/why-is-shia-board-chief-trying-to-please-bjp
Constitutional Puppet on a String:G.R. Gopinath
https://thewire.in/Govt/maharashtra-governor
Indian Rupee is getting crushed by RBI:Kartik Goyal , Bloomberg
https://www.livemint.com/industry/banking/the-indian-rupee-is-getting-crushed-by-rbi-11574909216895.html
Dalits, Adivasis and Muslims Among Most Excluded From Public Goods: Report
https://www.newsclick.in/dalits-adivasis-and-muslims-among-most-excluded-public-goods-report
Minorities in Assam's Chars, Dropouts in Telangana: Tracking India's Most Excluded:Aishwarya Tripathi and Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar
https://thewire.in/rights/minorities-in-assams-chars-dropouts-in-telangana-tracking-indias-most-excluded
How Low Could India’s Q2 GDP Growth End up Being? The Wire
https://thewire.in/economy/indiq-second-quarter-dgp-growth
What is behind Russia-Hamas rapprochement?Adnan Abu Amer
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/russia-hamas-rapprochement-191114142215962.html
Maharashtra Checkmate: BJP had left Uddhav Thackeray with little choice:Sujata Anandan
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/maharashtra-checkmate-bjp-had-left-uddhav-thackeray-with-little-choice
Did Pawars outwit BJP? Sharad Pawar shows how to take on both money and muscle:Sujata Anandan
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/did-pawar-outwit-the-bjp-sharad-pawar-shows-how-to-take-on-both-money-and-muscle
Who is fooled by BJP’s lip service to the Constitution?Atul Cowshish
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/who-is-fooled-by-bjp-lip-service-to-the-constitution
Blasphemous books against Islam: A new trend of Islamophobia in Assam: Abdurrahman Aman| India Tomorrow
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/blasphemous-books-against-islam-a-new-trend-of-islamophobia-in-assam?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
How this makeover plan could be answer to Jama Masjid’s prayers for end to chaos
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/how-this-makeover-plan-could-be-answer-to-jama-masjids-prayers-for-end-to-chaos/articleshow/72267269.cms
Uttarakhand: Cabinet's Nod to Char Dham Shrine Board Includes Rider If Muslim Becomes CM
https://thewire.in/Govt/uttarakhand-chard-dham-shrine-board-cabinet
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:20 PM).
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